Baling-press.



No. 796,860. PATENTED AUG. 8, 190%.

F. PHELPS.

BALING PRESS. APPLICATION rmzn PEB. 5,1904.

WITNESSES: K

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V ATTORNEYS.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFIOE.

BALING-PRESS- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 8, 1905.

Application filed February 5, 1904. Serial No. 192,171.

To all whmn it may concern.-

Be it known that I, FRANK PHELPS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Wellston, in

the county of Lincoln-and Territory of Oklahoma, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Baling-Presses; and I do hereby declare the following to bea full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to baling-presses, and particularly to that class of hay-balers and other presses in which the material is compressed in the press-box by a reciprocatory spring-retracted or rebounding plunger which is operated to press the material by a revolving cam or other power mechanism acting one or more times in each revolution against the pitman of the plunger and which is retracted each time the pitman is released to enable a new charge of material to be fed into the hopper of the feed-box, the said cam or other power mechanism being driven by means of a sweep or lever and horse or other power traveling in a circular path. In baling-presses of this character as heretofore constructed the' draft of the team or power is usually applied above the pitman or connections between the plunger and power mechanism, whereby the parts have a tendency to pull out of line and weaken the machine. This requires a very strong and heavy structure of the power mechanism and connections in order to withstand the heavy strain exerted in forming the bale, which increases the weight and size of the machine and adds materially to the cost of construction. Furthermore, in prior machines the construction and arrangement is such that the pitman is located at a considerable height above the surface of the ground and presents a comparatively high obstacle in the path of the team, which the horse or horses must step over with some effort in each circuit unless an excavation is made to receive the machine, and thus lower such obstruction.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide an exceedingly simple and efficient baling-press of much lighter and yet stronger construction than presses of other styles of the same horse-power, with a construction and arrangement substantially equalizing or holding in equilibrium the heavy strains exerted when the cam or power mechanism is forcing the plunger against the hay or material to be baled, thus obviating the necessity for exceedingly heavy and cumbersome power mechanism and connections, and also having the pitman arranged only at a slight elevation above the ground, so as to present a comparatively low obstruction in the path of the team Without the necessity for any excavating.

Other important objects are to produce a simpler and more efficient construction of power mechanism and in a cam-operated machine to insure proper engagement of the cam against the end of the pitman at each revolution; to provide an improved arrangement of devices for guiding and retracting the pitman, including a strong retracting-spring so arranged as to expand or distend to a very slight extent compared to a relatively great travel of the pitman.

The invention will first be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are to be taken as a part of this specification, and will then be pointed out more particularly in the annexed claims.

In said drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation of a baling-press embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a top plan View of the same. Fig. 3 is an enlarged top plan view of the power mechanism in which the dotted lines indicate the position of the pitman ready 'to be engaged by the cam, while the full lines represent the cam acting against the pitman and forcing it toward the press-box. Fig. 4 is a detail horizontal section of the feed-chamber below the hopper. Fig. 5 is a detail elevation of the guiding-links for the pitman.

Referring to the drawings by specific reference characters, the letter A designates the press box or frame in which the bale is formed.

B indicates a slidable or removable door in the rear end of the press-box, which serves as a head against which the hay, straw, or other material to be baled is pressed and which permits removal of the finished bale.

The letter C denotes the feed box or chamber at the front of the press-box, having a hopper D for introduction of the material A spring-retracted plunger I works within the feed-chamber beneath the hopper and is reciprocated by the pitman Q, to which it is attached.

The letter E indicates a low flat base or bed-frame, such as a plank or board, extending forwardly from the floor or bottom of the feed-chamber and in line therewith and with the press-box. This base, which is rigid with the feed-box, forms a bed or support for the power mechanism at its front end and for the spring-actuated, plunger-retracting, and pitman-supporting guiding devices.

Two uprights or vertically-disposed beams or posts F F are rigidly attached by straps, clips, orother suitable means to opposite sides of the front of the feed-box and preferably to the base E also, and said beams have rigid overhead connections, as by a horizontallydisposed beam or beams G, with a vertical pivot-beam or axle-post H, rotatabl y mounted at the front end of the base or on a suitable support I, attached to said base. Thus it will be seen that the pivot-beam has rigid connections at both its upper and lower ends with the press-box-namely, the beams G and the base E. Said pivot-beamis further sustained in vertical position by transverse guys or tight wires J, connected to the upper end of the pivot beam and to suitable post (not shown) at oppositesides thereof. These guys insure at all times proper alinement of the pivot-beam, power mechanism, and billingchamber.

The power mechanism of the illustrated machine comprises principally a revolving cam K, rigid with the pivot-beam H, adapted to be driven by a horse or other power hitched or applied to a sweep or lever L, rigid with said cam, and adapted on each revolution to engage the end of the pitman, and thereby force it forward to compress the material, as represented in Figs. 2 and 3. This cam preferably consists of a short wooden beam, medially attached to the lower end of the pivotbeam, having its opposite ends rounded, as shown, and having an iron or steel band shrunk thereon around its periphery, making an inexpensive, light, and strong device. In this instance the cam being a double cam engages the pitman twice in each revolution. The end of the pitman is shown squared off and has an iron or steel strip or plate secured across it for contact by the opposite ends of the cam. In operation each end of the cam approaches the pitman when in the position indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 3, to which position it is thrown after each rebound by guiding devices hereinafter described. As the cam continues its revolutions it engages the pitman and forces it forward, as represented in Figs. 2 and 3, the pitman being held always in proper position for engagement by the aforesaid guiding devices. is completed the pitman comes into horizontal alinement with the baling-chamber, and finally its outer end abuts or comes in contact with a block U on the base, causing the plunger to stop and allowing the cam to pass on from the pitman, after which the plunger is immediately retracted by devices as hereinafter described to allow a new charge of material to be introduced into the hopper.

An important feature of my invention re- As the stroke or abrupt end of the plunger. In other camoperated presses of this character usually the pitman has a notched end or a side projection adapted to receive the approaching end of the cam, which is frequently specially curved or pointed to contact therewith to insure and maintain proper engagement. Now in such machines should the plunger become slightly choked or retarded so as not to return at once to its full distance, as frequently happens in practice, the pitman consequently takes a wrong position for receiving the cam, and the result is that the horse or team has to stop and back up to permit the plunger to be properly adjusted. On the other hand, in my improved press the cam can properly engage the end of the pitman in any position which the latter may assume, which is obviously a decided advantage.

The sweep or lever L is attached strongly and rigidly to the cam K and projects laterally therefrom in an upwardly-inclined direction, so as to provide a sufiiciently-elevated connection with the whiflietree, which is attached to the outer end or portion thereof, thus substantially in the line of draft behind the horses shoulders. For strength and rigidity of construction this sweep preferably consists of a plurality or two outwardly-converging beams, securely fastened to the cam at opposite sides of the pivot-beam and suitably braced together, as well as to the pivotpole. At the outer end of the sweep a seat M may be mounted for the driver of the team. A lead-pole N is shown projecting laterally from the sweep, near the pivot-beam and affords means for attaching a holdback-chain to the horses collar to prevent the sweep from moving forward too suddenly and the whiffletree from striking the horses heels when the pitman Q, is released by the cam K. The opposite ends of the cam are shown braced to the pivot-beam by braces O. The pitman is supported only a slight distance above the flat base D in line with the lower part of the plunger P, to which it is attached and secured by angular braces or in anyother suitable manner. Thus the upper surface of the pitman is only a slight distance above the ground and presents no difficult obstruction in the path of the team traveling around the pivotbeam to operate the machine. For combined lightness, strength, and simplicity of construction the pitman itself may consist of two flat beams slightly separated in the middle and secured together at their ends. The front or free end of the pitman is shown supported on a semicircular track R, which avoids unnecessary or substantial friction, and said pitman is accurately guided in its to-and-fro motions and caused on backward movement to assume always a position adapted for proper engagement by the cam by guide-links T, pivoted to the pitman and to the aforemensides in the form of the cam and the squared l tioned block U. One of said links T, here the upper one, constitutes a lever for connection to the plunger-retracting spring. Said lever is shown extended beyond its fulcrum on the block U and has its free short arm connected to one end of a stout coiled retractile spring S. arranged longitudinally of the pitman and having its opposite end secured to a suitable support V, mounted on the base D, a brace W being preferably interposed between block U and support V to hold them more rigidly against the contracting action of the spring. By this arrangement the spring is located out of the way of both the pitman and the cam, and only a slight expansion or distention of the spring takes place compared with the relatively great reciprocation of the pitman. For example, in practice I employ a pitman having a travel of about four feet, while the spring is caused to expand only three inches when the plunger is forced inward. Such arrangement avoids the usual large distentions and severe strains on the retracting-spring usual in this class of machines.

To prevent a sudden and violent rebound of the plunger when the pitman is released by the cam, the feed-chamber is shown equipped at its opposite inner sides with flat springs X, secured against the sides at their back ends and extending inward or converging toward their front ends, which are backed up by solid pieces Y, adapted to prevent absolutely the plunger from passing beyond them out of the baling-chamber. When the pitman is released by the cam, the springs X immediately begin to exert their influence on the plunger, slowing the same until it comes to rest at the limit of its forward position, thus preventing any jar or jam from this source and preventing the plunger from rebounding back into the baling-chamber, where it would interfere with the feeding of material through the hopper.

The operation of the illustrated machine, as well as its features of improvement and advantages, will be apparent from the foregoing description in connection with the accompanying drawings. The horse or other power travels in the direction represented in Fig. 3, thus rotating the sweep and revolving the double cam K, which successively engages the pitman Q by its opposite ends twice in every revolution and forces the plunger P back into the baling-chamber to compress .the hay, straw, or other material in the press-box. The pitman in each reciprocation stops against the block U and the cam slips past its end, thus releasing the plunger, which is immediately retracted by the spring S and connections described. Material is introduced into the hopper when the plunger is retracted and pressed into the press-box by the direct movement of the plunger. After the bale is formed the door B can be removed and the bale forced out.

As before observed, the power mechanism is maintained always in alinement with the baling-chamber and is rigidly connected both by under and over head connections therewith, the base E, uprights F, overhead beams Gr, and pivot-beam H forming together a strong and rigid frame. Hence, though the draft or power is applied above the axis of the cam, it is sustained both above and below the same. This construction holds the parts rigidly together, equaliZes all strains, and enables the production of a press, power mechanism, and connections of comparatively simple and light construction, yet with great power and strength.

While the particular power mechanism described and claimed herein is preferred by reason of its efliciency and advantages, as explained, yet the invention is not necessarily limited thereto nor to any of the specific details of construction described, except as recited in the following claims, for obviously my improved and valuable arrangement of the power mechanism and its connections with the baling-chamber may be embodied in machines of other styles and other suitable means may be adopted for impelling, retracting, or guiding the plunger.

I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States- 1. A baling-press having, in combination, a low fiat bed, a bailing-chamber at one end thereof, a rebounding plunger working therein having a rigid low horizontal pitman, a vertical pivot-post at the opposite end of said bed having a lateral sweep or lever for application of power, an elongated double cam medially attached to said pivot-post and the opposite ends of which in revolving alternately engage the end of said pitman and force it forward, a stop-block on said bed laterally disposed with relation to the pitman, a link pivotally connecting the pitman and stopblock, a retracting-spring for the pitman, and

rigid overhead braces between the balingpress and pivot-post allowing the horse or other power to pass thereunder.

2. In a baling-press, the combination of a baling-chamber, plunger working therein, and rebounding pitman therefor having a squaredoff end, a stop;block at the side of the pitman, a link or links pivotally connecting said block and pitman causing the latter to have a swinging movement in its reciprocations, said block by abutment of the side of the pitman limiting its forward movement, a semicircular track supporting the free swinging end of the pitman, a revolving actuating-cam for said pitman consisting of an elongated rotatably-mounted member having a rounded end the path of whose movement coincides with the path of movement of the outer end of said pitman between its rearmost position and foremost position limited by said block, and means for driving said cam.

3. In a baling-press, the combination of a baling-chamber, plunger working therein, and rebounding pitman therefor having a squaredoff end, a stop-block, links pivotally connecting the top and bottom sides of said block and pitman causing the latter to have a swinging movement in its reciprocations, said block by abutment of the side of the pitman limiting its forward movement, a strong retractingspring connected to a short arm of said link and a fixed support, a brace or strut interposed between said support and block a revolving actuating-cam for said pitman consisting of an elongated rotatably-mounted member having a rounded end the path of whose movement coincides with the path of movement of the outer end of said pitman between its rearmost position and foremost position limited by said block, and means for driving said cam.

4:. In a baling-press, a baling-chamber, a spring-retracted plunger working therein, means for impelling said plunger to compress material, and flat springs secured in the opposite walls of the baling-chamber converging or extending inward toward its front end and adapted to act on the plunger when retracted to prevent its sudden rebound.

5. A baling-press having, in combination, a baling-chamber, plunger, pitman having a squared-off end, a revolving cam having a rounded end adapted at each revolution to engage against the end. of said pitman and thereby push inwardly the plunger, means for driving said cam, a block mounted beside the pitman, a guide link or links pivoted to said block and to said pitman to guide the same to position to receive the cam, said block also forming a stop for lateral abutment of the pitman at the end of the direct stroke, and a retracting-spring pulling against a short arm of the link for retracting the pitman when released by the cam.

6. A baling-press having, in combination,

' a baling-chamber, plunger, pitman, a revolving cam adapted at each revolution to engage against the end of said pitman and thereby push inwardly the plunger, means for driving said cam, a block mounted beside the pitman, a guide link or links pivoted to said block and to said pitman to guide the same to position to receive the cam, said block also forming a stop for lateral abutment of the pitman at the end of the direct stroke, said guide-link or one of said links having a short arm extension, and a strong retracting-spring connected thereto.

7. A baling-press having, in combination, a suitable bed, a baling-chamber at one end thereof, a plunger working therein, a pitman therefor supported above the bed, a vertical pivot-post rotatably mounted at the opposite end of the bed, a cam rigid with the lower end thereof adapted on each revolution to engage against the end of the pitman and move it inward, a sweep or lever rigid with said pivotpost for attachment of the horse'or application of power, a block mounted beside the pitman, a guide link or links pivoted to said block and to said pitman, said block also forming a stop for lateral abutment of the pitman at the end of the direct stroke, said link or one of said links havinga short arm extension, a strong retracting-spring connected to said extension, uprights rigidly secured to opposite sides of the baling-chamber, and horizontally-disposed overhead beams rigidly connected to said uprights and pivot-post.

8. In a baling-press, the combination of a baling-chamber, a plunger working therein, a pitman therefor having a squared-off end, a stop-block arranged laterally of the pitman, a link or links pivotally connecting said stopblock and pitman causing the latter to have a swinging movement in its reciprocations, said block by abutment of the side of the pitman limiting the forward movement thereof, springs in said baling-chamber limiting the rebound of the plunger, a revolving actuatingcam for said pitman consisting of a revoluble elongated member having arrounded end the path of whose movement coincides with the path of movement of the outer end of said pitman between its rearmost and foremost'posi tions, and means for driving said cam.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

FRANK PHELPS.

Witnesses:

- A. E. KING,

JAs. H. KENNEY. 

